Melvina C. (Harnden) Watson

Melvina C. Harnden was born on November 15, 1838, the oldest child of Enos and Charlotte (Kent) Harnden in Rochester, Monroe Co., NY.  Charlotte died in 1849 when Melvina was around 11.  Her father remarried Lucy Jones on December 8, 1850.  We aren't sure when Melvina came to Michigan but she married Lewis Watson on February 4, 1857 in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., MI at the age of 18. 

Lewis and Melvina had three children, Ella, Jennie and Nelson.  Lewis apparently left the family and went off on his own.  We do know that Ella and Nelson went to live with Gary Covell in Dundee, MI.  With the information that Ken Harnden has, a member of Melvina's family married an Unknown Covell after 1822.  We believe that Gary Covell is a relative of Melvina's. 

Lewis was in the Civil War and in 1905 Melvina had applied for a widow's pension from the government.  Lynn Watson-Powers has obtained copies of these papers.  Apparently Melvina had to prove that Lewis or her were never married to another.  There are affidavits from a Philip Bellinger and Adeline (Hicks) Bellinger of Mt. Pleasant, Isabella Co., MI.  Philip stated that he knew Melvina since a girl of 12.  Adeline stated that she knew Melvina since a girl of 10 and Lewis since he was 16.  Adeline was a witness to their marriage.   

There was also an affidavit from James and Ann Harnden.  James is Melvina's brother.  It stated James knew Lewis "about one month before his marriage" to Melvina.  Ann knew "the claimant and late soldier ever since about 1859."

There was one from Melvina.  Her address was listed as 1463 Woodward Ave (upstairs), Detroit, Mich.  She stated . . . "I am 64 years of age and I am the claimant in the above described claim and make this affidavit to state that I own no real estate whatever and no personal property except necessary household furniture.  I have no stocks, bonds, investments or mortgages and no income from any source but I am wholly dependent on my own labor for my support.  There is no one legally bound to support me and no one has been legally bound to support me since my late husband's death.  My late husband life was not insured.  I was never married but once namely when I was married to the late Lewis Watson and my late husband Lewis Watson was never married before his marriage to me." 

In her son's Nelson's bible, it states that Melvina died at Eloise (Hospital) for the aged in Eloise (which later began Wayne), MI.  She died of "old age and a broken hip."  Melvina died on the same day her son, Nelson did.  

Several sources stated that Melvina is buried in Denton Cemetery in Denton, MI.  In checking with Van Buren City Hall, it shows there is a lot for Nelson Watson but it states "No markers."